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Хэмилтон: Переход в Ferrari – это риск, но я люблю рисковать

Из новой книги "Внутри Mercedes F1" мы уже цитировали откровения Тото Вольффа о Льюисе Хэмилтоне, но, разумеется, не менее любопытно узнать, в чём автору признавался семикратный чемпион мира...




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Майк Крак сравнил новый симулятор со… Star Wars

Майк Крак, руководитель Aston Martin F1, связывает особые надежды с новой аэродинамической трубой и новым симулятором, котрые вскоре вступят в строй...




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Фредерик Вассёр: Хэмилтон приходит в Ferrari побеждать

Льюису Хэмилтону осталось провести три Гран При в составе Mercedes, после чего сотрудничество семикратного чемпиона мира с командой из Брэкли завершится. Руководитель Ferrari Фредерик Вассёр поделился некоторыми деталями о ходе переговоров о контракте.




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Выступление Бермана в Бразилии создало проблему Ferrari

Оливер Берман принял участие в Гран При Сан-Паулу, заменив за рулём Haas приболевшего Кевина Магнуссена. Британский гонщик уверенно провёл спринт и гонку, но выступление Оливера в Бразилии создало проблему для команды Ferrari.




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В Лас-Вегасе VCARB01 получит ряд компонентов шасси RB20

Перед заключительными этапами сезона машины RB будут модернизированы, прежде всего усовершенствования затронут заднюю часть VCARB01, где появится ряд важных компонентов от RB20///




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Сарджент готовится к первым тестам в IndyCar

Логан Сарджент, минувшим летом уволенный из Williams, готовится к своим первым тестам в IndyCar, на которых ему предстоит работать 19 ноября...




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Фэллоуз уходит с поста технического директора Aston Martin

Дэн Фэллоуз оставляет пост технического директора Aston Martin F1 – как сообщает пресс-служба команды, это произойдёт уже в ноябре...




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Unfinished Article: Optimization and Fragility

Have you ever found something you started writing but never finished? Here's something I started in October 2014. I've just rediscovered it in July 2020....






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HPT Treasures: Practical Situational Awareness

I posted about Situational Awareness at HPT Treasures today. What I didn't say in that post was that I've experimented with a few different methods...




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Beat’s Bizarre Adventure: Multi-track classroom drifting

This week, Beat's Bizarre Adventure covers ICHI THE WITCH, IMA KOI: NOW I'M IN LOVE, and THE DRIFTING CLASSROOM.





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Manga Review: THE SMALL-ANIMALLIKE LADY IS ADORED BY THE ICE PRINCE is on its way to melt hearts

The Small-Animallike Lady is Adored by the Ice Prince is a brand new romance manga from Yen Press. This first volume takes us to a familiar setting where there's a royal arranged marriage involved, and some frozen hearts are melted along the way!




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SPIRIT RISER Brings DIY Horror Madness And Queer Fantasy In Spectacular Blu-Ray Release

Dylan Mars Greenberg crafts a homegrown fantasia of magic, action, and anti-conservative provocation.





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What Shakespeare Can Teach Us About Enlightenment: All the world’s a stage

When I was an undergraduate at university many years ago, my deep enjoyment and love for the works of William Shakespeare blossomed. I had the privilege of taking a Shakespearean class and then during one summer in my undergraduate years, I was able to travel through Europe inexpensively on a bike and a Europass to see the great sites. A memory I remember most is going to Stratford-upon-Avon and watching a William Shakespeare play. I don’t know where my passion and love for his plays comes from but it has been a deep part of my life. His writings have also taught me many things.

When I was in England many years ago for the first time, I was standing in the back of the audience watching the play ‘As You Like It’ that was performed not too far from the ... Read More »

The post What Shakespeare Can Teach Us About Enlightenment: All the world’s a stage appeared first on Enlightenment Podcast.




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The Paradoxical World of Spiritual Enlightenment: We are nothing but we are everything

When we wake up to who we are, something happens. We stop identifying with our egoic selves because we realize they are impermanent and only that which is permanent can be who we are.

We aren’t our bodies, we aren’t our memories, we aren’t our thoughts, we aren’t our feelings… We aren’t any of these things, so we stop identifying with them. What happens is that detachment develops. An aloofness or distancing from everything that occurs. We wake up to the fact that life is an extended dream and a relaxation is able to set in. It’s a sense of calm or a feeling that ‘all is well.’

We lose our identity with our lives, thoughts and feelings, so we witness them but we don’t engage with them. We notice them, but we don’t create stories with them. Since we don’t create ... Read More »

The post The Paradoxical World of Spiritual Enlightenment: We are nothing but we are everything appeared first on Enlightenment Podcast.





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The Long and Arduous Journey of the Airline Industry May be Reaching an End

The government deregulated the airline industry in 1978. Since that time, the basic pricing in the industry, as well as airline fortunes, have been more or less continuously on the downward slope. It has been a very long trip down.

The industry may be heading up again, though. In the third quarter of 2010, the average domestic airfare was 11% higher than a year earlier. Profits returned to the industry in 2010 behind higher prices. In some part, these higher prices were the result of the additional fees that most of the domestic carriers charged passengers for checked baggage, better seating, rerouting and so forth. Still, the industry was able to hold its higher prices.

These prices are holding because the major industry players are less enamored of discounted flying. All of the big airlines are finding ways to extract prices from industry customers. Now that airline capacity utilization is high, the industry is more careful about capacity additions. Higher prices are here to stay.

The consumer still is far ahead. Even at these higher prices, ticket prices are a bargain. In fact, ticket prices, adjusted for inflation, are 20% below the levels of 1995. The industry has continuously stripped benefits from the base product in order to save costs. In 2010, the industry added back a few of those benefits (for example, economy plus seating) for an additional charge. We may see more of that over the next few years.




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News Corp Responds to the Market for “Free”

The newspaper industry has faced a mighty challenge over the last few years. There is so much “free” content to complete with them. Newspaper revenue continues to plummet. Internet users are reluctant to pay for content. All the free content, supported by advertising revenue, has decimated the newspaper industry. The industry’s cousin, the magazine industry, is not far behind.

This trend can’t continue forever. Already, many people are asking themselves how much they can trust the information on the internet. The need for Reliability drives the demand for Snopes.com. How many “free” web sites can earn enough from advertising to pay all their bills? An effective industry answer to “free” may be forthcoming in the News Corp online newspaper called “The Daily.” The Daily will cover general news, sports, arts and opinion in a format dedicated to the Apple iPad. In addition to the written content, the product will carry high definition video and 360 degree photos. The same product will be available in a few months for the Android-based tablet computers.

The Daily will sell for $.99 a week, or $39.99 a year, a very low price compared to newspapers. With this model, the product receives revenues both from the subscribers and from advertisers. Subscribers have the Reliability benefit of knowing that the content producer cares about facts, accuracy and readable writing style. Advertisers pay for eyeballs that follow a Reliable product.

The Daily is what we call a Next Leader product. This is a product that offers much better than industry standard performance for a low price to a specific subset of industry customers. The Next Leader can offer the very low price because it has a much lower cost structure than is typical in the industry. There are two basic types of Next Leaders. The first are Reformer products. This type of Next Leader product reduces the benefits for the user (usually Function benefits) while increasing the benefits for the buyer (usually Reliability and Convenience benefits) compared to the industry Standard Leader product. The second of the two types of Next Leader products are Transformer products. These products increase the benefits of the user but offer, at least initially, fewer benefits to the buyer than the Standard Leader product offers. The Daily is a Reformer product. It offers the Convenience of formatting fit for a tablet computer so it provides easier access for a segment of the industry’s customers. Its low cost structure results from its elimination of printing presses and distribution costs.

If this new tablet-based product offers a quality read, it will hasten the day when virtually every newspaper and magazine is offered first online and only secondarily in hard copy. The online versions will come at a fraction of the cost of the hard copy versions. Readership is certain to grow.




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Failures in Reliability Lead to Share Loss

We have written several times before about the Customer Buying Hierarchy (i.e. customers buy Function, Reliability, Convenience and Price, in that order).  We have also written, on several occasions, about companies winning and failing customers in a marketplace.  In a stable market, failure of a supplier causes more market share to move than does another competitor’s “win” of market share against its peers.  Most failures occur in Reliability. Recently, two of America’s paragon companies have failed their customers on Reliability and are now struggling to catch up.  Other leaders have had a similar problem and have recovered nicely. 

Macy’s is a clear leader in the department store market.  Over the last several years, Macy’s has purchased and integrated other large department store competitors.  For example, in 2005 Macy’s purchased May Department Stores.  As the company worked to integrate these acquisitions and obtain synergistic savings, their attention swerved from customer service.  The company’s failings were greatest in customer interactions with the company’s sales associates.  Nearly half of customer complaints focused on actions of sales associates. These are failures in Reliability.  A customer expects to be well treated by a department store that charges relatively high prices for its goods.  Macy’s failed to do that. The company’s market share began to drift lower as a result of these failures. 

Now Macys is investing a great deal more money and time into the proper training of its sales associates.  This investment is beginning to pay off.  A recent survey of customer satisfaction indicated that the company was making strides in improving its reputation.  Still, it lags the performance of some of its important rivals.  This is still a Macy’s work-in-progress.

Wal-Mart is another industry paragon who drifted from its Reliability promises.  Wal-Mart committed two notable sins.  First, it removed some products that were important to its core customers.  The company did so in an effort to improve the product mix and the margins a better product mix would bring.  Some of its core customer volume began to drift away.  The company also moved away from its aggressive pricing.  Instead of every day low prices, the company began to promote deals on some products while raising prices on others.  Customers didn’t like that either.  Recently, a survey by a retail consulting firm has found that Target Stores offered prices below those of Wal-Mart.  So, Wal-Mart has created Reliability failures in both product availability in its stores and its promise to have “always low prices, always.”  The company’s market share has also drifted lower. 

Wal-Mart now promises to return to its core values and core customers.  It is bringing back the products it once eliminated in favor of higher margin products.  It is getting more aggressive in pricing once more.  This, too, is a work-in-progress. 

Certainly, these leaders can recover from these miscues. We have seen other leading companies struggle with Reliability and yet recover nicely.  For example, several years ago McDonald’s went through a period of time where it was losing market share.  As the company examined the reasons for this market share loss, it noted that customers began to see its prices as high in the quick service restaurant industry.  In addition, its products in stores had developed a reputation as being about the same as or, in some cases, lower in quality than some of its big competition.  Under the leadership of a CEO well versed in operations, the company returned to its roots by emphasizing its core quality values and aggressive pricing.  Today, McDonald’s is the unquestioned leader in the quick service restaurant industry.  Many of its competitors struggle to keep up with McDonald’s. Most fail to do so.  McDonald’s again has gained share in the industry over the last several years.  McDonald’s success in reversing its Reliability failures suggests that the pathway is open for both Macy’s and Wal-Mart.  They both should be able to enjoy similar success.  The odds are they will.




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How Hard Do You Train In The Gym?



 How Hard Do You Train In The Gym?
By:  Tim Ernst


Are you serious when you train in the gym? 
Are you getting the results that you really want? 
Are you easily distracted by outside influences?

I can't tell you how many times I see people in the gym socializing with other people or their friends.  I'm not saying that you have to be a complete jerk and ignore people, but if you are serious about your training your mission or job is to get in and get out of the gym.   You have a life outside of the gym right?

The most successful people in life have a goal that they want to accomplish and they do not allow any outside influences to dictate or distract them from that goal.  We all get distractions and interruptions in life and when they come, successful people put into place boundaries.  When you are in the gym you have to set up boundaries for yourself.   I mean whose life is it anyway, yours or theirs?  There are clearly things that are out of your control and things that are in your control.  Take control and get your life back!

One thing that I do to keep people from distracting me in the gym is such a quick fix.  I simply put on my headphones and put on my favorite work out music and it's ON!  Most people won't bother you if you have your headphones on and if they do just simply answer their question quickly and move on.  There will be times when people will ask you if you are on or using some type of machine, that's o.k.  If they want to talk to you any further than that, simply tell them that when you are finished with your training, you will be happy to get back with them with any questions that they may have.  

 Here is a list of things you can do to decrease the amount of distractions when in the gym:

1.  Headphones/MP3 Player/I-Pod

2.  Hat (Optional)  This will help you not to make clear eye contact or others seeing you making eye contact.  Some women will do this to avoid any men coming up to them.

3.  Set clear goals for yourself of what you want to accomplish in the gym.

4.  Answer any small questions and move on.

5.  Set yourself a time limit.  Setting a deadline is very effective.  It pushes you to finish on time.

Implementing some of these strategies will help you decrease your distractions while in the gym, only if your serious about your training.  Focus on your goals, set deadlines/boundaries, and watch success begin to unfold.  Whatever you decide to do, do with all your strength.

Train Hard!

 




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SLC-1L-12: A Garden of Ideas



At first glance: a simple, one-light portrait of activist gardener Janssen Evelyn.

Dig deeper: a look at tonal mapping via specular highlights, stretching the range of your modestly powered flash, and how to discover your next project.

Read more »




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My Summer So Far

This summer has been a whole lot of fun so far. I've been going to nosework class and learning circus tricks. When I'm not at school we go for walks at my favorite park and sniff things and look at the squirrels there.
I get to play with my spring pole outside now its not raining all the time.
I've spent a little time doing famous dog stuff and hanging out with friends.
I look at the squirrel in the tree in the back yard every day and I've taught him how to bark just like me.
The only sad part of this summer was saying so long to Winnie when she went to her forever family. I love Winnie, but I'm really glad she found her family.
I wonder who my next foster sister will be? I can't wait to find out.

I hope you're enjoying your summer as much as I'm enjoying mine.
hugs,
Uba




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Summer Gardening


Hi Everyone! The garden at my house hasn't been making very many fruits and vegetables lately, so I am trying to help it a little bit.
I hope you are having a great summer.
Grace




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35 Years



Thirty five years ago - life changed. ( five in people years )

I left on a journey that took me many places.
I made many friends, held a few jobs, and found a family.

  
Things turned out just wonderful.


 So, today
I can't help leaping for joy


or running for joy...


or boucning for joy.


Well....to be honest - it all just makes me smile.




Wishing a Happy Thirty Five to all the pups and people out there.


-Jonny






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2 more escaped monkeys recaptured and enjoying peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in South Carolina




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Amid Earth's heat records, scientists report another bump upward in annual carbon emissions




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‘Mystery mollusk’ found in the ocean’s midnight zone is unlike anything researchers have seen before




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Planet-heating pollution to hit all-time high, dashing hopes it would start to drop in 2024




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Астроновости: сюрприз микроквазара SS433, подробности миссии Artemis 3, пик солнечной активности…

Группа радиоастрономов под руководством Сергея Тюльбашева, работающая в Пущинской обсерватории, обнаружила необычный радиоимпульс длительностью 211 мс с показателем дисперсии около 134,4 пк/см³ на частоте 111 МГц. Этому импульсу присвоено обозначение FRB 20190203.
28 октября NASA предоставила обновленный список из девяти возможных мест посадки на Луне для миссии Artemis 3. Каждый из этих объектов отличается своим уникальным геологическим разнообразием, что открывает новые горизонты для изучения лунных ресурсов и истории нашей Солнечной системы.
В новом исследовании, проведенном с помощью космического телескопа «Джеймс Уэбб» международной группой ученых, ведомой астрономами из Университета штата Пенсильвания, было выяснено, что некоторые из протопланетных дисков, изначально обнаруженных «Хабблом», окружают коричневые карлики — звездные объекты, которые слишком малы и холодны, чтобы в них происходил синтез водорода. Новые результаты, полученные «Уэббом», помогут астрономам лучше понять, как формируются коричневые карлики, как они связаны с другими звездами и планетами и есть ли у них быть собственные спутники.
В ходе телеконференции с журналистами Национальное управление океанических и атмосферных исследований США (NOAA) и Международная группа по прогнозированию солнечных циклов объявили о достижении Солнцем периода максимума, который продлится в течение следующего года. Каждый из 11-летних циклов характеризуется сменой магнитных полюсов Солнца, что приводит к переходу звезды из спокойного состояния в активное. Затем активность постепенно снижается до минимума, однако ученые не могут точно предсказать, в какой именно момент это произойдет.
Изображение номера — микроквазар SS433.

Сообщение Астроновости: сюрприз микроквазара SS433, подробности миссии Artemis 3, пик солнечной активности… появились сначала на Троицкий вариант — Наука.




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THE VOICE OF SEMAR

Remember to get all of your metaphysical supplies here!

I had to share this

Children of Semar :

Emerge out of the cocoon of closed-mindedness,

Be receptive to truths, even if they hurt.

Reform your character before demanding the reformation of

others,

For the perfection of the world begins with thyself.

Beliefs and blind faith are a drawback to spiritual progress,

They bind one to superstition, fear and ignorance.

Acquire the understanding that divine revelation is a continuous

process,

For humanity is ever-evolving and is ever in need of higher

education.

Fanaticism is a devilish expression and has to be eradicated,

For it begets separatism, inharmony, and violence among men.

Transcend racial, tribal, and sectarian attitudes,

Nothing causes so much strife and suffering as separatism.

Know that human laws must reflect Cosmic laws if they are to be helpful,

Man-made laws without divine sanction may restrict the workings of justice.

Understand that the highest civilization is not dependent upon external technology,

It is dependent more upon spiritual unfoldment and the awakening of divine potentials.

Be not hesitant to do away with traditions and customs should you be aware of their negative content,

It is in purifying the dross in anything and in everything that the treasure may be revealed.

Do not mistreat Nature with your arrogant expressions,

Be kind to her, and she will be kind to you.

Know that egocentrism has always been the core and cause of humanity's problems,

It is the same with you, what would you do?

Why give your personal power away by letting others do the thinking for you?

Learn how to think, be not afraid to think for yourself.

Learn how to take charge of, and be responsible for yourselves;

Letting others do the work for you causes your own stagnation in the mire.

Seek God and your divine heritage, not for any worldly or heavenly benefits,

But because it is destined and right for every being to do so.

If you profess being a follower of any religion, then apply the moral and spiritual precepts;

Vain beliefs and faith without the application of spiritual principles makes you nothing but a

hypocrite.

It is impossible to grow in any way if you are stuck in your mortal-mindedness;

In essence you are divine, immortal, with all the powers of a god; therefore, remove thoughts of

mental limitations.

One of your problems is self-centeredness.

How will you evolve without self-forgetfulness, selflessness, and self-sacrifice?

Psychics and paranormals may mislead you.

Truth does not dwell in the world of psychicism.

Why do you curse and verbally attack others?

Garbage from your mouth will only darken your light.

Why pay attention to gossip, why attend to celebrities?

More important work awaits your attention.

Why do you constantly think of the opposite sex in such lustful ways?

There is no rest for the mind troubled by excessive sexual thoughts.

Why do you express your sexuality in such animalistic ways?

Sex should only be the expression of true love, affection and tenderness.

Why believe yourself to be a dweller of an island, a nation, a planet?

God has given you and all beings the whole universe to live in.

You are alive with divine gifts and yet you use them not;

Why then complain of your apparent lack of abundance?

Why feel inferior or superior to others?

In essence you are all children of the Light with the same divine-potentials.

Why do you express your lower side in art, music, and culture?

The decline of civilization results from the predominance of negative expressions of the psyche.

Why fill your minds with trash issued from magazines, commercials, movies and gossips?

You will constantly think of the things you fill your minds with, and the things you think of you will

become.

Why be too opinionated when opinions seldom reflect truth?

For if they were truths, they would not be called opinions.

How can you call yourselves civilized when your way of thinking is still primitive?

Though it be reason that distinguishes a man from a beast, it is compassion and love that

distinguishes a civilized man from a primitive one.

Where is your love and compassion, children of Semar?

Why express the dark side when it is so much easier expressing light?

Why quibble over doctrines and dogmas, they simply cause you to go astray;

Everyone is your brother and sister no matter what their beliefs.

The greatest solution to a problem satisfies all parties involved,

A poor solution only satisfies the person who makes it.

Why have you no respect for life?

Animals and trees are your brothers just as the person next to you.

Why be sensitive to the harsh words of men when you should be listening to the sweet voice of the

Spirit?

Your attention should be directed inwards and not brooding upon external voices--the insults or

criticisms of others.

Why do you fight fire with fire, for such is immature;

How long more will you remain in the valley and not rise to the mountain peak?

Why act as prosecutor, judge, jury, and executioner yourselves?

Have you no faith that Cosmic laws will deal justly to those that transgresses her?

Why do you complain of situations and circumstances when it is you that helped to create them?

The world that you experience is simply a reflection of your thoughts, attitudes, feelings, and beliefs.

Why are your devotional prayers so mechanical, so robotic?

Have you no real love and yearning for the Almighty?

No matter what your beliefs you think them to be true;

If they are beliefs and not experiential knowledge how can they be true?

When will you awaken to Reality, to Truth, to the Presence of the Almighty?

Enchanted with carnal matters have drugged you into spiritual slumber.

You seek spiritual guidance for the sake of your own welfare.

When will you seek guidance for the sake of your fellow men?

You treat others as infidels, as unbelievers, as outcasts;

Know ye that separative thoughts are spawned by the devil.

God gives freely, Nature gives abundantly;

And yet, you claim their gifts as your own and will not benefit others.

You believe in your nation's future greatness as proclaimed by messengers,

And yet, if nothing is done to manifest this greatness, it but remains in the air.

Why do you wait for a savior? Why do you waste time waiting for a Goddess of Justice?

Manifest the savior in your hearts; be the hands and mouthpiece of the Goddess.

Your hatreds, anger, violence, and egoism have polluted the subtle worlds;

These rebound back to you and cause your catastrophes and disasters.

How long will you remain in darkness?

No one can pull you out of it except yourselves.

Why do you hesitate to forgive your brother?

Are you so perfect that you are without sin?

You believe it impossible to be perfect so that you will not need to strive for it;

Yet strive for perfection for it is your destiny to outgrow the human condition.

Purify your thoughts, for thoughts are creative and manifests themselves in this world;

Negative thoughts affect people negatively, positive thoughts affect people positively.

The violence in your mind creates the violence in this world;

Therefore cause your mind to be tranquil, that the world may reflect such a state.

You are beautiful and yet you will not express your beauty;

You are unique and yet you suppress your uniqueness.

Why do you carry your ego with you?

So long as your ego exist, you will not be saved from the tortures of "hell."

There is not much time left for you;

A world-cycle is coming to a close.

Will you continue to accumulate possessions and lose your soul?

All that prevents or hinders your spiritual progress is evil at work.

Will you ascend to heaven alone without having compassion for your brothers?

Stay where you are and help others to ascend likewise.

Are you a coward that you will not teach and be responsible for others?

You are your brother's keeper, when will you realize that?

How will your nation be a spiritual light of the world, when you will not be spiritual?

The transformation of an organism begins at the cellular level.

Being religious or psychic is not the same as being spiritual;

Being spiritual entails radiating the highest light in the lowest darkness.

Why do you blame others and God for your troubles?

It is you that is the primary cause, others simply act out your script.

Take the best qualities of both East and West and make them your own;

Take the worst qualities of both East and West and eradicate them from your being.

Why are you a slave to your carnal desires and appetites?

They are the source of your pain and suffering.

Why are you arrogant, are you omniscient?

Do not force your beliefs upon another, for blind you may be leading the blind.




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The Mayan Calendar -- Process of Transition

 

 As we've seen, the Mayan Calendar is a chart of the evolution of consciousness in the universe.


Each Cycle or Age has its own dominant paradigm or point of view. As you move up through the 9 Cycles, new perspectives and new ways of being arise.


This new perspective starts to show up in the world, but it isn't an immediate switch from the old way of doing things to the new way.


It takes time, and a process of transition, for a new understanding to gain prominence.


The quantum physics revolution is a perfect example. We've known since the 1950's that matter isn't solid, and reality is nothing like we've imagined. Yet for the most part, our world continues to go along believing in the old materialistic ways... "Reality" is what can be proven with the senses. Medicine sees the body as a machine with unconnected parts. The Earth is dead, and humans are the pinnacle of evolution. And so on...

Yet, as we progress, the old perspective becomes more and more marginalised. People begin to talk about things in a new way. Then people begin to act in a new way. Finally (we're not there yet), the tipping point is reached -- the old way is as disregarded as the once unshakeable "knowledge" that the Earth was flat.


And that process is what the 13 days and nights of the Mayan Calendar describe.


The "Days" are times when consciousness expands, new perspectives arise -- times of fresh beginnings.


The "Nights" are times when the new consciousness is applied, new procedures initiated, and old ways (usually forcefully) overthrown.


And each of these 13 periods is characterised by specific circumstances.


Here's a breakdown of each of the 13 Days And Nights of the Mayan Calendar, and the specific transformation that occurs in each.

The First Day

A period of illumination -- new perspectives arise. Beginnings. Seeds are planted; energy begins to flow in a new pattern or paradigm.

The First Night

A period of darkness, rest. Integration. The new pattern begins to germinate within the dark subconscious of mind.

The Second Day

The second period of illumination. Dual paradigms, the old and the new, overlap -- both can be seen. In history, a time of turmoil, as the old ways (status quo) try to repress the new.


(This is where we are as of April 20, 2011.)

The Second Night

The second period of darkness. Followers of the two different paradigms battle for supremacy. Historically, very violent eras.

The Third Day

The third period of illumination. The new paradigm begins to spread deep and wide, beginning to show up in the world as new methods of doing things, new ways of perception. The new pattern begins to overtake the old, as fables, falsehoods, and failures expose the weakness of the past system.

The Third Night

The third period of darkness. The fledgling perspective of the new paradigm is refined, and the earlier, simplistic aspects fall away. The old system is thrown over, usually by force.

The Fourth Day

The fourth period of illumination. The new pattern becomes stronger and goes deeper into consciousness. A period of expansion, as the new paradigm takes form in the world. New corollaries emerge, as the new perspective takes precedence.

The Fourth Night

The fourth period of darkness. Healing the pain of the transition and the death of the old ways. Rebuilding after the destruction of the old status quo systems. The new, more healthy paradigm is truly established now.

The Fifth Day

The fifth period of illumination, and point of greatest radiance in the Cycle. The new paradigm flourishes, sending information about wonderful new knowledge out into the world. The highest possibilities for this Cycle are attainable.

The Fifth Night

The fifth period of darkness, and the nadir of darkness. This is a time of major hardships, cultural collapse, horrific violence. However, it is also a little like gestation: within the dark, something new awaits. From the death, new life will arise.

The Sixth Day

The sixth period of illumination, a time of Enlightenment. The flowering of the paradigm into stunning new insights and newer perspectives... in fact, sowing the seeds for the new Cycle of evolution to follow.

The Sixth Night

The sixth period of darkness. The paradigm has reached its peak and begins to dry and wither, like wheat in autumn. Typically a time of war and violent conflict.

The Seventh Day

The seventh period of illumination. There is a sense of openness, of being ready for something new. The best of the paradigm has been harvested, and it's time for a new level of consciousness to arise.


From the Seventh Day of the Mayan Calendar, we proceed directly to the First Day... from Light to Light. This demonstrates that whole process, even though it contains much dismantling and death, is finally and entirely a process of Creation.


The Mayan Calendar is an illustration of this process.


That's what makes it so fascinating... How did the Mayans ascertain such detailed information, that accurately predicts the ancient past (of which they could have known nothing) to the far future (which they are scarcely more likely to know)?


We may never know the answer to this question. But at least we finally know enough to appreciate their wisdom at last.


And just in time!



With Bright Blessings,




ar

The Hopi Prophecy Stone and the Future of the Earth

The Hopi prophecy for the year 2012 is the most important one, in my opinion. Whereas many prophecies speak of this "end of the world," the Hopi are the ones who've given us the most specific instructions for what to do.


According to most ancient prophecies, the Shift of Ages in 2012 is not necessarily the end of the world. It could be the end of an era of darkness on the Earth.


But according to the Hopi prophecy, WE are the ones who get to choose.


The future, or lack of it, is up to us!


 


While the Hopi had an oral rather than written tradition, they also created images that helped to tell the story, as reminders.


The one that is of most interest here is called the Hopi Prophecy Stone.


Although the stone has been much damaged and even altered, we will be addressing it as the Elders say it was, before its discovery by the white people.

 

The Hopi Prophecy Stone depicts the Creator of the world (far left), and beside him, the Circle of the World, which it was the Hopi's task to protect.


In the Creator's hand is held the two destinies humanity can choose -- one that leads to a good resolution and one that leads to a dead end.


The box represents all the people.


The diverging point of the Creator's path shows a time when some people would break away from the true path, and go the way of falseness and wickedness.


The path at the bottom represents the true path, the path of goodness.


It shows 3 calamities, as circles representing "shaken gourds" or world-shaking events, which some have interpreted as world wars. A third world war would therefore be indicated. (Could it be the unremitting war that the USA has conjured up against the Middle East? We can hope that nothing worse is predicted.)


In between and beyond the calamities, the sign of growing corn (life) combined with the sign of a cane (long life) reasserts humanity's continuity.


The last circle is said to be the final calamity, the purification of evil from the face of the Earth.


At the end of the righteous path, we find the Creator waiting for us again: the beginning and the end, the alpha and the omega.


This is the spiritual path, the path of goodness and kindness.


Reunion with the Divine is the goal and destination of this path.


I would add to this interpretation that the true path is the humble path, the one closest to the Earth and nature, grounded. In this image, it is the path that is closest to the Creator.


I believe the upper path being the false trail, shows that the path of domination, of power/control, of seeking to be superior over others, is definitely a wrong turn.


And that a way of living in balance and respect with nature is part of the good path. Something Native Americans have warned Europeans from the beginning. (This may be another reason Wicca and Paganism are increasing in popularity, as more people leave the wicked path behind.)


I think it is also not coincidence that the sign of the corn is used. Life could have been signified by the cane alone. But it is a growing plant that indicates the path of goodness, and the fruit of that path.


Nature is the good path.


Although here I have drawn in the heads of the figures, the Elders say that the figures on the Hopi Prophecy Stone originally had no heads. (I've indicated this with the heads not joined to the bodies.)


This could indicate that those following the path of wickedness are not choosing wisely.


That would seem to be evident, as we can now see the inevitable result of small personal wickednesses such as greed, self-interest, insecurity, animosity, etc. Even more visible are the growing results of these: violence, war, domination, sacrificing of others and the future for personal gain, etc.


According to Martineau, however, it signals that death must come of following the wicked path.


Perhaps both meanings would apply.


The zigzag path seems to indicate that the way of wickedness is irresolute and crooked. It reminds me of politicians promising first one thing and then the opposite, depending on whatever people want to hear.


Being guided by greed, control, and fear, the Path must veer hither and yon according to the needs of the moment. By contrast, the path of truth is always aimed at the Divine, and does not waver in momentary crises.


Notice that before the third calamity, the corn symbol touches the top line. This shows that people on the path of wickedness can change direction at that point, and rejoin the path of goodness.


After that point, it is too late, for humanity's careless wickedness brings us to a dead end. The back-curving line shows a point of no return.


The symbol of the corn becomes even more prophetic, as we now seem to have seen the end of natural corn. GMOs have invaded even the purest corn stocks in the world.


Perhaps it is no coincidence that corn is used as a symbol of life, here. Of course, it was a staple crop of the Hopi. But perhaps the corn touching the wicked path is also a symbol that we can choose the wicked way with our food supply, like genetically altering them.


Perhaps the path from goodness to wickedness goes both ways?

 

The Hopi Prophecy Stone shows us that the parameters of our choice determines the future we will have.


Are we headed toward a Golden Age?


Or extinction?


It is not a matter of what we wish for.


It is a matter of what actions we take.


The Hopi prophesy tells us what we must do to create a positive future for the Earth -- a future in which humanity continues to exist.


This makes it the most important of all the 2012 predictions.


Not just doom and gloom, nor hope and pray, but the concrete actions and mindsets that will see us through!



With Bright Blessings,


 




ar

Surviving 2012 (3) -- Intuition: the Power of the Heart

Accessing the power of the Heart -- Intuition -- is fundamental to surviving the 2012 Transition.


As we've seen, the intellect can't function as the dominant modality any longer. The human brain doesn't have the ability, and even more important, it no longer has the prerogative.


The intellect (logic, rationality, materialism) has been the unchallenged overlord for millennia. But it has a number dire and insurmountable intrinsic flaws... It knows only what it sees/hears/touches/feels -- locked into material reality as the only thing of consequence. It is the slave to the ego's drive for comfort, control, and immediate physical survival at any cost. It is adept at rationalising even the most destructive, evil actions.It is designed to see what it wants and expects to see.It is cut off from Divine Wisdom and the ways of compassion.It is limited to a functional speed that is too slow to deal with the current speed of life.What other modality could have brought the entire planet to the brink of destruction? You can be sure that this is the paradigm that will also take us right over the edge, if we allow it.

We can't afford the intellect's self-delusions anymore.


If we are looking to prevent an apocalypse, we will need something completely different. As Einstein said, "No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it."


 


If the intellect can no longer guide us, what source of information is left?


Only our intuition.


Luckily, that's more than enough.


Intuitive insights are the new dominant modality of thought. Without them, you won't be surviving the 2012 Transition very well. Because this Transition is all about liberating the Power of the Heart, and intuition is the Heart's Voice.


The intuition speaks through the spiritual Heart. You might perceive it through your body's sensations. It may appear as an idea, a sound, or words. The important thing to know is, it doesn't originate in your own brain.


Intuition accesses the Source of all knowledge.


Everything that can be known, is known by this Source -- past, present, future, alternate dimensions, etc. It is the source of infinite knowledge.


So the question is no longer, "What is the logical choice?"


The fundamental question is, "What does your deepest Heart tell you?"


That is the Voice of the Divine.


Learning to distinguish this Voice from the urges of the ego/mind is the tricky bit.


That's what we'll look at next.

 

Learning to hear and understand the quiet Voice of your intuition takes practice. It's a little like developing an ear for music -- at first, you're not really sure what to listen for, or what a good one is like. With practice, you learn to hear more clearly.


Really, you can only learn by doing.


Follow your intuition!


Start with little things. Don't use your intuition, the very first time, to decide to move across the country or adopt a child or something. Because in the beginning, it's trial-and-error. Sometimes you will hear your intuition precisely. But sometimes you may not.


But begin paying attention to it. Your intuition knows more than you think!


There have been studies on women who've been attacked on the street, and every time, it seems, something inside of them was warning them -- but they ignored the warning because it seemed impolite to just walk away or whatever. And if you've heard stories about people who survive cataclysmic events, they usually say they "just had a feeling" and they followed it.


Your inner Voice knows infinitely more than your logical brain ever could!


As we proceed with the 2012 Transition, it's really time to access this source of infinite knowledge.


The biggest difficulty is that we also have another voice inside of us -- the voice of the personality/ego ... and it definitely has its own agenda.


Learning to differentiate between these is the real key to accessing intuition.


When you first begin trusting your intuitive guidance, you may find that it seems to lead you astray at times. What's really happened, of course, is that your ego has tricked you into thinking it was Divine guidance.


Nothing is as tricky as the ego!


There's also an element of deep trust that is needed, though. Sometimes even the best intuition will lead you into an unpleasant situation. But I can guarantee it's because that unpleasant situation will turn into something you really needed.


The biggest block to accessing intuitive guidance is a cluttered mind. When there are a lot of thoughts, worries, plans, grudges, desires, etc. taking up space, how could you even notice when the Divine quietly offers a bit of advice?


Clear your thoughts and quiet your mind.


Clear your emotions.


Only when your mind is empty of the ego's thoughts and drives, can you clearly hear the Divine's advice -- and be sure of it. Then your intuition will seem much more obvious, and it will not lead you astray.


Meditation is a perfect practice for this. That's why intuitive ideas so often pop up when you are meditating.


A Mind-Watch, or Purging Papers, as well, are wonderful for clearing the mind and emotions. Reflection (spiritual journalling) and working with symbolisms like in dreams and with Animal Spirit Guides are also extremely beneficial. There are some things you can do that are like exercises for developing your intuitive muscles.


Divination helps develop this skill. Tarot or runes or palm-reading, even astrology or numerology? anything that offers you guidelines to follow (like in a book) gives a great starting place for developing intuition.


As you begin to interpret your divination readings, you can rely on what you remember, or what jumps out at you, that you read in the book.


After a while, you will realise that you will remember or notice the precise bit that is most relevant. Your sixth sense is already at work, and without any pressure it can work most effectively.


Gradually, you will start to extrapolate... using what you read as a starting point and making intuitive leaps from there.


Eventually, you may notice that most or all of your reading becomes intuitive.



With Bright Blessings,





ar

Astral Projection Q&A part 1

Learn Astral Projection Easily-CLICK HERE!

1. What is Astral Projection?

Astral Projection or Out-of-body experience is a process through which our consciousness leaves our physical body and is free to travel anywhere, unrestricted by  our normal physical boundaries. We all unconsciously travel outside our bodies every night when we are asleep. But with the right guidance and practice, we can train ourselves to achieve this with 100% consciousness and awareness.

2. Is everyone able to do Astral Projection?

As I mentioned, everyone does Astral Traveling at night when they sleep. But since they are asleep, they are doing it unconsciously. And when they wake-up, their astral experiences get distorted and they feel they have just had a dream. But with training and guidance, almost anyone can have a conscious Astral Projection.

3. When one does Astral Traveling, what is it that "projects" out of his body?

We are made up of several bodies. The grossest and the densest body is our physical body. The next one is the etheric body or the astral body. This is much less dense compared to the physical body. So during Astral Traveling, it is the astral body that gets “projected”.   I should also mention that for each these bodies, there is a corresponding “plane”. So there is a physical plane, astral plane and so on. So during Astral Projection, the astral body is projected into the astral plane.

4. Should we be really doing Astral Projection?

When we are born on this physical plane, we all come with a specific purpose. That purpose may be different for different people. But as we grow older, we forget why we are here. So we wander aimlessly and often end up wasting our lives.
Astral Projection is one way to help us know why we are here in the first place. So I sincerely feel we all should learn this amazing art and give a positive direction to our lives.

5. How much does Astral Projection cost?

You would be surprised, but there were actually 4 people who asked me this question!
The answer is - Astral Projection doesn’t cost you anything in terms of money. It is not something that you purchase. It is an art that you learn. The only real cost  involved is your time, effort and dedication.

6. What is the best, easiest, infallible and fastest method that works for  everyone?

Everyone is different, with different personalities and beliefs. So unfortunately, there is no best and easiest method that works for everyone. There are hundreds of Astral Projection techniques available. You need to see which one suits you best.

7. What are the best visualization techniques for reaching the vibration stage quickly?

As I said earlier, there is no best technique that will help everyone to achieve the vibration stage. However, Robert Monroe’s vibration technique is the most popular since many people have reported great success with it.

8. How can I learn to project quickly without having to take herbs such as  Salvia
Divinorum?

I never recommend taking herbs or drugs to achieve Astral Projection. It is safest to practice without any external aids. Also, unfortunately, there is no “quick” way to achieve Astral Projection. You will require patience and dedication. But if you follow the right guidance, you can drastically cut down on your learning curve, and often see success in a few weeks instead of years. Also, I would recommend staying away from anyone who claims to teach you “techniques” that can help you  project “instantly”

9. How to get into a trance easily for intentional OBEs

A good way to get into a trance is to comfortably lie down at night, and watch yourself going to sleep. Try to relax your physical body, but at the same time, try not to  go to sleep. For the first few nights, you might end up sleeping. But with practice, you will learn how to control your mind and stay awake during the entire process.

10. Can Astral Projection actually be done?

Yes, Astral Projection is definitely possible, and can actually be done consciously. There are thousands and thousands of people who can do it at will.                  




ar

Astral Projection Q&A part 2

Learn Astral Projection Easily-CLICK HERE!
11. How often should you project?
Once you learn how to Astral Project at will, you can project as often as you want to. But don’t forget that you have a life on the physical plane too. You need to  maintain a balance.
12. What is the real trigger to leave the body? Where it is located?
No one really knows where the real trigger to leave the body is located. But I believe that out of the seven major Energy Chakras in our spiritual body, the trigger lies in
the most active Chakra for that person. Most people report leaving through the Third-eye Charka, the Solar Plexus Chakra or the Heart Chakra
13. What can I do about my belief that I can only perceive through my physical senses?
Since our birth we have perceived everything through our physical senses. So it is very difficult to imagine that we can have other senses as well. The only way to shed that belief is to experience Astral Projection yourself. Once you are out of your body, you will realize that you can actually perceive your surrounding without the physical senses that we are so used to. Moreover, you will realize that your new set
of senses is much more enhanced and powerful.
14. While Astral Projecting are we able to use our senses? See in color, hear, feel cold or heat etc?
As mentioned in the answer to the previous question, in the astral plane, we do not use our physical senses. We can see, hear, and feel using our astral senses. I should also mention that we do not feel cold or hot in our astral body. If we do feel them, it is because our physical body is feeling hot or cold, and that feeling is  transferred to the astral body via the Silver Cord.
15. Can Astral Projection be done without being taught by some one specialized who knows what is going to happen?
Yes, Astral Projection can be done without being taught by someone. It might take you longer or you might do it the wrong way. But it can be done. There are many people who have done it alone consciously or unconsciously. But it always helps to have the right guidance.
16. What is the best time to practice Astral Projection? Day, night, or early in the
morning?

There is no best time to practice. But because of our busy lives, most people prefer to practice early in the morning or at night, before going to sleep. But if you have time, you can very well practice during the day.
17. Should I practice lying down or sitting cross-legged?
Astral Projection can be done in any position you are comfortable with. But I recommend the lying down posture, because this is the way we sleep, and it is very
natural. This position also distributes our weight throughout the body, and makes it easier for us to relax. But as I said, you can choose any position you want to. As long as you are comfortable                                   
18. I have heard of people who can Astral Project at will, like a normal daily activity. Can I do the same, whenever I command? If yes, when will I succeed?
Yes, there are many who can Astral Project at will. You can do it too. But to get to that stage, you have to project several times, get rid of your fears, get used to the astral environment, and you should have also learnt to control your thoughts.
19. Do I need to meditate first, enter a supportive state of mind to successfully Astral Project? If yes, for how long should I meditate?
For a proper, conscious out of body experience, you should be in a meditative state where your physical body is completely relaxed and your mind is completely clear of unwanted chattering. This will give you good control over your thoughts, and help you focus on Astral Projection.
20. What triggers Astral Projection? And when does it actually happen?
Your goal is to reach a stage where your physical body is completely  relaxed and your mind is completely awake. And then deepen that stage using visualization exercises. This is the magic moment where the separation of the Astral body from the physical body takes place.
21. How can I avoid being anchored to my body when I go into trance?
If you go into a deep trance, where your body is asleep and mind awake, your astral body WILL separate – either partially or fully. If it is a partial separation, you need to exercise a strong will power and visualization exercises so that you can achieve a full  separation.                                   




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The Shark Is Closed for Queries

Please visit In Memoriam: Janet Reid for more about the late great Shark. 




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